A MIDDLESBROUGH restaurant has been closed by council officers after a serious mouse infestation was discovered.

Environmental health officers from Middlesbrough Council said the serious risks to health were revealed during an inspection on Monday of the Peking Villa Restaurant in Linthorpe Road.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served to close the restaurant after officers found a serious mouse infestation, foods contaminated with mouse droppings, an absence of cleaning and serious breaches of food hygiene laws.

Today the council was applying to Teesside Magistrates Court for an order to keep the restaurant closed until the health risks are removed.

Wayne Flowers, principal environmental health officer said: “Conditions in this restaurant presented an imminent risk of injury to health. The restaurant will remain closed until we are satisfied the mouse infestation has been removed and the premises thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.”

Barry Coppinger, the council’s executive councillor for community protection, said: “This is the second food business on this stretch of Linthorpe Road to be closed due to appalling conditions. Environmental health officers will be visiting other food businesses in the area to check hygiene standards.”

No one was available for comment at the Peking Villa.

Last Thursday the Ali Baba café at 242 Linthorpe Road, was closed after environmental health officers found a serious mouse infestation, food contaminated with mouse droppings, poor standards of cleanliness and serious breaches of hygiene laws.